Towns and Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Pretty towns and grand Chateaux litter the banks of the largest river in France, the Loire.


	Saumur: Chateau with museums, cavalry school, international equestrianism, mushrooms, wine, armoured tank museum, full of bars and restaurants. Boat trips on the Loire, horsedrawn carriages through the town. One of the prettiest of France's provincial towns, with its fairytale chateau overlooking perfect position on the Loire, like much of this part of Anjou, a "white" town, with buildings constructed from the limestone "tuffeau". Large market Saturdays. (15 mins drive)

Montreuil-Bellay: Last medieval walled town in Anjou. Huge Chateau complex, Boat-hire,Bars, Restaurants. Antique market first Sunday of Month, Local Produce market on Tuesdays. Lovely riverside walks/picnics. Reputed to be holiday home of Tolkien and the inspiration for "Lord of the Rings". Sadly, this is totally untrue and "The Professor" never actually visited here at all, nevertheless, one can see how the myth grew up, the area LOOKS as if should be behind the story with its underground dwellings, castles and the broad sweep of its history, there is even "La Promenade JRR Tolkien" which meanders along the riverside at the foot of the Chateau. A case of the imaginary becoming reality perhaps. (5mins. drive)


	Doué- la- Fontaine: Important conservation zoo, superbly planned in old quarry workings, troglydite dwellings. Also the rose centre of France, once a year hosts "La Journeé de la Rose", a multi-colour extravaganza of rose sculptures and designs, held in the underground 'cathedrals' and the 'Roman Arena' (actually a medieval copy), many bars, restaurants. Large market Mondays. (10 mins drive)


	Chinon: Famous for its hearty red wine, town where Joan d'Arc first identified Dauphin and went on to liberate France from English, (and believe me, Chinon never lets the visitor forget it!) Towering medieval fortress with reconstructed siege weapons, famous Jazz festival, enchanting old quarter, troglodyte houses, bars, restaurants, nearby Richelieu, designed by the cardinal, a 17th. cent. "new town", described by La Fontaine as the "finest village in the universe". To me it has that strange feeling that you get in modern new towns that somehow, things are not quite right but, try as you might, you can't exactly see why! (45 mins drive)


	As time is moving ... I'll just quickly mention a few more highlights before moving on! But never forget that Anjou is renowned for its gentle, relaxed approach to life, summed up by the term; "le douceur angevin", so try and find time to sit somewhere with a glass of chilled rosé and watch the world go by. The essence of Anjou has been here a long, long time, it won't disappear before you come back again! Royal Abbey of Fontevraud: Largest religious site in France, burial place of Lionheart and Plantagenets. (30 mins) Puy du Fou: Fantastic theme park, huge re-enacted battles and Roman games/chariot races in full size arena, even Viking raids on reconstructed village, cast of thousands, great fun for the violently inclined! (55 mins). Futuroscope : Clever science based cinematic theme park, amazing effects, great fun for the non-violent! (55 mins). La Rochelle: Supremly elegant and historic port/resort, nothing tacky, water taxis, boat trips, largest marina in Western Europe, and huge 'State of the Art' Aquarium. Sea food restaurants by the net full. (2.30 hours). Le Marais Pointevin: (Green Venice of France) with its unique canal system. (2 hours).

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